Experiences of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder taking methylphenidate

Understanding the experiences of adolescents diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and taking ritalin and other stimulant medication is crucial in order to improve medical counselling to them. A central theme in these experiences is adolescents' self-esteem and their sense of control on their body and life.

In this narrative review, five databases were searched for studies investigating adolescents' esteem and control experiences with stimulant medication. The nine resulting studies were analysed thematically.

The overarching theme in these studies was ‘improving one's self’. Two subthemes emerged: (1) medication sometimes delivered on its promise to improve ‘the self’, but often it did not, and (2) youngsters felt pressured to conform to behavioural norms and comply with the medication use that adults had decided about.

In order to help youngsters with an ADHD diagnosis for whom stimulant medication is prescribed, they should be involved in the dialogue on desirable and unwelcome effects of the medication, and in the decision making process about it. This will allow them to feel at least partially in control of their body and life, and less pressured to conform to others' norms. This can serve as a major asset for the youngsters' mental and physical health throughout their lives.